About the organisation

The Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda (ROYAL SCHOOL OF CAVALRY) was created in 1572 in response to a Royal Charter issued by Philip II. Today, among its goals are the conservation and spreading its historical and documentary patrimony and sponsoring research, granting awards and university grants, maintenance of the oldest horse riding school in Spain and organisation of cultural activities of general interest.

The Real Maestranza also carries out educational and arts activities. These include a programme of prizes and grants to local university students, organising Ronda Music Week and publishing books on subjects related to the Mestranza’s origins and its cultural heritage.

The history competition

The Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda has joined the EUSTORY Network in 2008. The first Spanish competition was about „Life of my grandparents in the 50s“. The competition is held every year and enjoys a growing reputation as one of the most prestigious history competitions in the country. The themes proposed focus on local and family history to foster students learn through research. Special focus is made on tutor's involvement. Since 2014, the competition is held at an Iberian level in cooperation with the Portuguese Association of History Teachers (APH).

Requirements

The competition addresses 4th year of secondary school or 1st and 2nd year of Baccalaureate or Professional Training (14 to 21 years old). Participation is open to students from Spain, Portugal and the Americas. Individual works are permitted as well as group projects. Only one work is permitted for each individual, group or class participating..

Formalia

Format of the work is free, although there are the following limitations: The work must not surpass 100 pages in double spacing (Arial type); in the case of tri-dimensional works we request not sending the object itself but rather photographic documents with a written report. Works in hypertext in CD-ROM or DVD, must include a written text that can confirm the contents of the work. If the work has several parts, this must be clearly stated and these must be sent jointly.

Jury

The panel is composed by teachers and history graduates from Spain and Portugal, who value methodology, diversity of the sources, presentation and lesson learnt of the research projects.

Awards

1 first prize of 2,500 € for student / 1,250 € for tutor 4 second prizes of 1,000 € for students / 500 € for tutors 5 third prizes of 500 € for students / 250 € for tutors 10 consolation prizes of 200 € for students / 100 € for tutors Winners in any category can choose to participate in the EUSTORY seminars organised each year in several European countries.